12 Small Things You Can Do When Your Brain Needs A Break

Make the most of your hard-earned breaks. For more helpful study tips and ways to cope with exam stress, visit ReachOut.

Study breaks can help your concentration and improve your productivity, so don't feel guilty about taking one when you need it.

1. Work up a sweat by doing some exercise.

The 5TH / Via unsplash.com

Go for a run, ride a bike – whatever form of exercise you enjoy. It increases endorphins, which can help elevate your mood, and if you've exerted yourself physically you'll probably sleep sounder too.

2. Watch an episode of a show that always makes you laugh.

iStock

Not only does laughing feel good, some studies have found that laughter can boost endorphins and reduce stress hormones.

3. Spend some time using a guided meditation or relaxation app.

PauseAble / Via itunes.apple.com

Okay, so mindfulness is HARD. But there are some apps that make it a hell of a lot easier, like Pause, which turns relaxation into a game. It's simple enough that you won't spend the whole time stressing about whether or not you're doing it right.

4. Head to the kitchen and make yourself a brain-boosting snack.

Nana B Agyei (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: nanagyei

Scheduling a dedicated snack break will give you something to look forward to.

5. Put on your favourite party song and let loose.

Jonathan Grado (CC BY-SA 2.0) / Via Flickr: jonathan-grado

Listening to music you love can help put you in a good mood. Plus, who doesn't feel better after a good dance?

6. Unplug by going outside on a nature walk, leaving your phone at home.

Phil Whitehouse (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: philliecasablanca

You don't have to venture too far; your local park or garden will do just fine. Fresh air and the removal of the temptation to check your phone every 30 seconds will help you feel more present.

7. Spend 5–10 minutes writing or doodling everything that comes into your head.

danjo paluska (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: sixmilliondollardan

This exercise can help flush out all those thoughts that keep circulating in your mind. The key is not to think and just to keep your pen moving.

8. Read something because you want to, not because you have to.

Annie Spratt / Via unsplash.com

Put down the textbook and dedicate some of your time to a novel or magazine you've been wanting to read.

9. Have a shower.

iStock

There's gotta be a reason why we have some of our best thoughts in the shower. Maybe it's the familiarity or monotony of it...or the fact that we're separated from our phone/comp/table. Whatever it is, it just *feels* therapeutic.

10. Have a good ol' stretch.

iStock

Sitting at a desk for too long will probably make your body feel stiff and sore, so try stretching it out to give your body a new burst of energy. Try some of these easy stress-relieving stretches.

11. Hang out with some animals.

hannah k (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: 90692443@N05

There have been numerous studies linking pets with stress relief – and not just adorable puppies. Watching fish might actually have therapeutic benefits too!

12. Pop over to your friend's house for a chat.

Azrul Aziz / Via unsplash.com

Chances are they're going through the same struggles and are probably in need of a break too.

We all need a break sometimes, and that's OK. For more helpful study and exam resources, check out ReachOut.com.